Dillon County Chosen For Site Readiness Program

GREENVILLE—Duke Energy Progress has chosen 170 acres of undeveloped land located between the city of Dillon and Little Rock in South Carolina to participate in the utility’s 2013 Site Readiness  Program. 
Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program is designed to help communities served by the utility prepare locations for potential industrial development so they can compete for new companies and jobs.
“The Jeff Price Industrial Site in Dillon County is a clear standout. Unlike most undeveloped sites, this one already has access to electricity, gas, and telecommunications,” said Stuart Ames, Duke Energy’s economic development manager  for Dillon County. “Combine that with the comprehensive assessment offered by our Site Readiness Program and this location will be quite attractive to the right industry.”
The Jeff Price Industrial Site was one of eight South Carolina sites chosen by the utility.
In North Carolina and South Carolina, 29 counties submitted 35 sites for program consideration.
As part of the six-month assessment, Duke Energy has hired McCallum Sweeney, a nationally known consulting firm based in Greenville, to conduct a site study. McCallum Sweeney has been instrumental in many high-profile industrial locations  and expansions.
Duke Energy will work with professional land-use planners to develop conceptual plans for the site. Duke Energy, McCallum Sweeney and the planners will present all recommendations at a final report meeting in Dillon County.
After the site’s state of readiness has advanced, Duke’s Business Development Team will actively market the site nationwide to companies looking to expand or relocate their operations.
“Duke Energy’s team of experts will take the ball and run with it. The company is providing the resources and expertise to complete the due diligence required to sell the site to potential industries,” said Jeff McKay, executive director,  North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA). “Not only will they compile a detailed report about the site’s viability and recommendations for improvement, they are committed to helping us market the site.”
Duke Energy’s approach to economic development is unique in the utility industry. The company’s industry recruiters identify and recruit national and international companies to the utility’s service areas.
“New industry has a unique multiplying effect that benefits all of us. Children do better when their parents have opportunities and jobs. Communities do better when their citizens are employed. South Carolina is stronger when its people  are productive taxpayers,” said Stu Heishman, vice president of economic development at Duke Energy. “And Duke Energy is successful when the customers and communities we serve are successful.”
Ideal properties for Duke Energy’s site readiness program are 75 acres or larger, served by the utility. A qualified site can be suited either for a single, large industrial facility or data center, or potential industrial park (multi-tenant  site).
Duke Energy’s program has been recognized by Southern Business & Development Magazine as one of the South’s top site readiness programs. Duke Energy’s overall economic development program has also been consistently named by the Site Selection  Magazine as one of the nation’s “Top 10 Utility Economic Development Programs.”
The site is located five miles from I-95, adjacent to Perdue Farms.

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